In fact, Artest told the Los Angeles Daily News he considers the Spurs, the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics as bigger rivals for the Lakers than LeBron James’ new team.

“We’re in different divisions, in different conferences,” Artest said after the Lakers tuned up for their Christmas Day matchup with a disappointing 19-point home loss to Milwaukee Tuesday night.

The Lakers and Heat have never played in the postseason, and the Daily News points out that they have never played a truly meaningful regular-season game. The Lakers lead the all-time series with Miami 29-15, including 18-4 at home. They’ve won five straight at Staples Center since the Heat last won there on Dec. 25, 2004.

“It’s hard to make it a rivalry right now,” Artest told the News. “It’s like an instant one, but the only way it can be a rivalry is if we go to the championship against each other. The Boston Celtics? That’s a rivalry.”

Artest, who likely will be matched with James during Saturday’s game, doesn’t believe that the arrival of the power forward has transformed the Lakers’ rivalry with the Heat as much as fans and the media might believe.

“The fans, they dictate,” Artest explained. “The fans set the trends. The street sets the trends. The street dictates. This is what they’ve dictated (that the Lakers-Heat matchup has some extra sizzle).

“The media senses something. The media will follow what the fans are saying. It’s something the media and the fans think is important and it’s exciting. The fans think it deserves a lot of hype, but as players, you’ve got to play the game.”

Artest also feigned indifference when a Los Angeles reporter asked if he was excited to see James playing with his new team, joining Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in the Heat’s celebrated “Big Three.”

“What, to see his sneakers or his jersey or something?” Artest asked with a chuckle. “LeBron is a young talent, a future Hall of Famer. Are you talking about, am I eager to see him? You want me to give him a big hug?

“I’m eager to play every game. Every game is important. And that’s our next game.”

Especially after the Lakers’ indifferent performance against the Bucks, their game against Miami will be an interesting one.

Phil Jackson isn’t taking anything lightly. After taking Wednesday off, the Lakers will work out on Thursday and on Christmas Eve in preparation for Saturday’s game.